DRAGONS boss Bernard Jackman believes stellar recruit Ross Moriarty will be a beacon for the next generation of Wales hopefuls at Rodney Parade.

The 23-year-old international back row forward will return to Wales from Gloucester in a deal funded entirely by the region.

The powerful blindside/number eight met with Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman on a number of occasions, who discussed plans for the future and other transfer targets.

In-demand Moriarty, a Lions tourist in New Zealand, mulled over the decision and signed a two-year contract at the weekend.

Jackman is thrilled to have secured the services of a Test star and believes the talisman will inspire the other burgeoning players in the Dragons squad.

"I am delighted to have been able to convince Ross to join us as we build our team for the future," said the Irishman.

"It's a significant signing and a real reinforcement of how players are perceiving this region now. He is the perfect fit for us in terms of the type of player that we are looking to add to our squad in that he is young, ambitious, Welsh and very talented.

"We are building a team for the long term and to be able to get a player of Ross's calibre, who is only 23, is an example of that.

"Speaking to Ross it's clear that we have the same values and philosophies on how the game should be played and I know that he will add to the local talent that's already here.

"We are proud of the fact that some more Dragons are now starting to break into the Welsh squad and we will continue to work hard to develop more international players from within and that will be easier when they have the chance to work day in and day out with world-class players like Ross."

Moriarty will add to a Dragons back row that features once-capped talisman Ollie Griffiths and Wales hopeful Harrison Keddie, while young prospects Max Williams, Aaron Wainwright and Lennon Greggains will learn from the Lions tourist after making their debuts this season.

The move means that the 17-times capped back rower will be able to continue playing for his country under the new rule that means those with under 60 Wales appearances cannot be selected if they are playing overseas.

"After meeting with Bernard Jackman, I was excited by the future plans of the club as the region looks to begin a new chapter in its history," he said.

"Playing international rugby is the pinnacle of every player's career and with the new rules, it left me with no choice but to move to Wales to further my international ambitions, especially with the Rugby World Cup ahead."

Moriarty is the second Wales international to sign for the Dragons from an English club, following 24-year-old Bristol scrum-half Rhodri Williams over the border.

Jackman is continuing to work hard on his recruitment drive after stating at the start of the month that he aims to bring in around 12 fresh faces for 2018/19.